In order to reach a balanced budget for next school year, deep cuts will have to happen, interim School Superintendent Bob Hill warned Springfield School Board members Monday.

Hill outlined a dismal budget situation that includes a $4.7 million shortfall next school year.

That number could grow if the state decides to fund education at an even lower level, which many school officials agree is a real possibility, Hill said.

He said the district can no longer rely on reserves to fill in the gap between expenses and revenue.

The district’s reserve fund will drop below $1 million soon after being at $10 million just two years ago, he said.

“We’re past the fat and approaching the bone,” Hill said.

Meanwhile, the board again discussed ways to increase revenue.

Organizers of the group Invest in 186 made a presentation about what they see as the need for a property tax increase that would generate money for the school district’s education fund, which pays for most programs and teachers’ salaries and has been running a deficit for years.

That plan is separate from a recent idea school board vice president Adam Lopez floated that calls for a referendum asking voters to approve a 1 percent countywide sales tax increase.

Lopez said Monday he was putting his sales tax plan on the back burner until new School Superintendent Jennifer Gill comes on board in May.

Lynn Handy, a member of Invest in 186, told the board cuts made in recent years have affected teachers’ ability to perform their jobs. She also said she is concerned about the growing achievement gap, noting the decrease in children receiving preschool education.

“We want Springfield to be a strong community,” Handy said. “In order for that to happen, we have to have a strong public school system.”

Tonia Faloon-Sullivan, a parent of a Springfield School District student, said the property tax increase would amount to $10 to $12 more per month for most residents.

For the proposal to reach voters, a majority of school board members would have to vote to put the issue on the ballot. It wasn’t clear Monday if there was enough support on the board for that to happen.

However, all board members agreed the district needs to look at ways of increasing revenue, whether it be for programs or aging facilities.

Board member Mike Zimmers said it was important for the board to reach a decision soon since members of Invest in 186 are spending time campaigning for the issue.